Since Jared Goff hasn't missed a game in any of the last four seasons, the Detroit Lions' backup quarterback situation has never been tested over the years. Therefore, the Lions never made it a priority to address the QB room. This hasn't hurt them so far, but at some point, it could come back to bite them. This could happen as early as 2026, with the Lions starting the season with questionable depth under center.
Last year, the Lions had Kyle Allen and Hendon Hooker as Goff's backups heading into training camp. Allen ended up winning the QB2 battle before the season. He never had to play last season, but the Lions generally felt good about their backup signal-caller situation.
This spring, Allen signed a two-year deal with the Buffalo Bills. The Lions replaced him by bringing back Teddy Bridgewater. They followed that up by signing undrafted free agent Luke Altmyer after the NFL Draft. The Lions are headed to the OTAs with Bridgewater and Altmyer as their backup QBs.
Lions' QB room could be an underrated weakness next season and beyond
Among Super Bowl contenders, this is one of the weaker backup quarterback rotations. Bridgewater is valuable to the Lions and should be a part of this team as a locker room leader and a mentor. His familiarity with the coaching staff and the organization is clearly important for Dan Campbell & Co.
However, the 33-year-old QB hasn't started a game in the NFL in over three years. He has had very limited snaps in the last couple of years, including last season with the Buccaneers. Relying on him as your QB2 heading into a crucial season is a big risk.
The Lions could have targeted a veteran signal-caller in free agency, at least to bring in some training camp competition. Having another option whom you could then sign to the practice squad would have been a smart move.
Another alternative could have been using a late-round pick to select a quarterback in the draft. There were six QBs selected in Day 3 of the draft, and it could have been savvy for the Lions to bring one in and start developing behind Goff and Bridgewater.
Detroit has selected only one QB in the last nine drafts: Hendon Hooker with the third-round pick in 2023. This is a missed opportunity for the Lions. Taking as many fliers as you can at quarterback is generally considered best practice, but how few shots on goal the Lions have taken is somewhat controversial.
There is a chance this will never be an issue in 2026. Goff may have another fully healthy, MVP-caliber season. Taking that for granted, however, could turn out to be a mistake. Let's hope that the Lions won't find that out the hard way.
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